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Cumberland, RI – Last week, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse began a month-long jobs tour of the state to hear from small business owners and employees about what they need to succeed in this tough economy. Today, Whitehouse continued the tour with a visit to Hope Global, a fast-growing company in Cumberland that engineers textile solutions for automotive, commercial, and industrial use.

Hope Global is also a member of a working group of local textile businesses convened by Senator Whitehouse in 2011. The group works to foster collaboration and provide support for textile companies throughout the state.

“As I continue fighting for legislation to support job creation here in Rhode Island, it’s always helpful to hear from business owners and employees about their needs,” said Whitehouse. “Hope Global has been an important partner in my efforts to help textile businesses in our Ocean State, and it was a pleasure to meet with them today to talk about what we can do to further boost our economy.”

“Senator Whitehouse’s visit today to Hope Global is continued affirmation of his caring and dedication to Rhode Island businesses, and manufacturing specifically,” said Cheryl Merchant, President and CEO of Hope Global. “Hope Global is a 128 year old textile company that was founded in Rhode Island, and we appreciate the support of those like Senator Whitehouse and Senator Reed – whether it is helping us work through the issues after the 2010 floods, or spending time touring our facilities and listening to our ideas. As always, we thank the Senator for his unfailing support in all areas, and for his visit today.”

In addition to convening the textile working group to help local businesses, Whitehouse is also continuing to fight for a series of job-creation initiatives in the Senate. His proposals include tax breaks for businesses that hire, ending tax policies that reward companies for sending jobs overseas, and cracking down on currency manipulation by China that puts American manufacturers at an unfair disadvantage.